Jean William Prévost from Kirkland, QC, just solidified his name—and Canada’s—in the BMX history books. At the 2024 UCI urban cycling world championships in Abu Dhabi, UAE, he brought home Canada’s first-ever medal, claiming bronze in the BMX freestyle flatland men elite category.
For three intense days (Dec. 18-21), Prévost was a model of consistency. He slid into fourth place during both qualification and the semi-finals before stepping up to snag the podium spot in the finals with a score of 84.00 points.
The competition was fierce. France’s Matthias Dandois is a dominant force in the niche sport of flatland, and took the gold with 90.67 points. Japan’s Moto Sasaki earned silver with 86.83.
This was Prévost’s fourth time in the world championships and his first time on the podium.
“Prévost put down an incredible performance all the way to finals at the 2024 World Championships,” says Canadian freestyle coach Dave Thomas. “His style is incomparable to any other rider in the field and it was exciting to see him rewarded for his efforts after years of dedication to the sport of flatland BMX. Always a pleasure to travel with him and watch him ride.”
BMX Park
In the BMX freestyle park men elite category, two Canadians made the finals. Mike Varga from Whitby, ON, powered his way to an impressive seventh-place finish with 84.88 points, cracking the top ten. Meanwhile, Boisbriand, QC’s Maxime Chalifour, the reigning Canadian champion, held his own, landing in twelfth with a solid 76.70 points.
Unfortunately, Olympian Jeffrey Whaley was sidelined from the competition after an injury during training—a tough break for the seasoned rider.
The podium belonged to some heavy hitters. Australia’s Logan Martin snagged gold with a jaw-dropping 94.30 points. Followed by Argentina’s Jose Torres Gil (91.60) with silver and the U.S.’s Justin Dowell (90.74) taking bronze.
Jean William Prévost from Kirkland, QC, just solidified his name and Canada’s in the BMX history books. At the 2024 UCI urban cycling world championships in Abu Dhabi, UAE, he brought home Canada’s first medal, claiming bronze in the BMX freestyle flatland men elite category. pic.twitter.com/aFG6Ud4WHl
— Canadian MTB (@CanadianMTB) December 23, 2024
— Canadian MTB (@CanadianMTB) December 23, 2024
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